Transatlantic Pilot Project Tests Digital Travel Credential at Schiphol

A pilot project testing the Digital Travel Credential (DTC) and facial recognition technology for faster border checks has been launched, involving flights from Montreal to Amsterdam, aiming to streamline airport processes.

 

This morning marked a significant advancement in airport border control processes as flight KL672 from Montreal successfully arrived at Schiphol Airport, featuring passengers who participated in a groundbreaking pilot project utilizing the Digital Travel Credential (DTC). This initiative, set to run until March 31, 2024, explores the efficiency of DTC in conjunction with facial recognition technology for expedited border checks. The pilot, a collaborative effort prompted by the European Commission, involves the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, the National Office for Identity Data, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, KLM, and IDEMIA as the technology provider.

The EU's interest in digitalizing the border process has led to this pilot to practically assess the DTC's application. This digital credential, mirroring the data from a passport chip, coupled with facial recognition, aims to facilitate a seamless boarding and border crossing experience, potentially setting a new standard for future travel documentation policies.

Eligible passengers on select KLM flights from Canada to Amsterdam—specifically those holding Belgian, Dutch, or Canadian passports and over the age of 18—have the opportunity to partake in this pilot. Participants pre-register their passport details and a facial photograph via a dedicated app, allowing for pre-arrival border control verification. Upon arrival at Schiphol, a special DTC Tap & Go gate awaits them, where a facial scan triggers the DTC, requiring passengers to confirm their identity with their physical passport. This process is expected to significantly reduce border crossing times.

With passenger volumes on the rise, making airports busier than ever, the pilot project seeks to innovate the airport check-in and border control experience, making it faster and more contactless. Barry ter Voert of KLM highlights the airline's commitment to enhancing passenger journeys through digitization, emphasizing the need for supportive legislation and regulations to fully realize these efficiencies.

The DTC1 technology, developed under ICAO standards, combines biometric data with digital passport information to offer a swift and streamlined border crossing process, still requiring the physical passport for verification. This pilot project represents a step towards redefining airport security and efficiency, highlighting the collaborative efforts between government bodies, airlines, and technology providers to enhance the travel experience.